Iranian preachers had stirred up crowds over Gaza, and such incidents have the potential to provoke more severe tensions.

On the other hand, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has intervened to stop Iranian suicide bombers from leaving the country and heading toward Palestine / Israel. Hard line president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had called for such practical action against Israel, but the Supreme Jurisprudent foresaw that this step would risk widening the war and stopped them. Rumors of a rift between Khamenei and Ahmadinejad have proliferated for some time, but this is the first time they have been clearly visible in public on a major policy initiative.

The situation is dangerous as long as Israel continues its attack on Gaza. Lower level hotheads in Hizbullah could set off a conflagration. Iranian would-be suicide bombers could disobey and elude Khamenei and find a way to create a provocation that would lead to Israeli reprisals. So far, however, the Iranians and their Arab colleagues (with the exception of Hamas) are showing great caution./End

Lind: If Israel Bombed Iran US Army in Iraq Could be Lost

Iranian preachers had stirred up crowds over Gaza, and such incidents have the potential to provoke more severe tensions.

On the other hand, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has intervened to stop Iranian suicide bombers from leaving the country and heading toward Palestine / Israel. Hard line president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had called for such practical action against Israel, but the Supreme Jurisprudent foresaw that this step would risk widening the war and stopped them. Rumors of a rift between Khamenei and Ahmadinejad have proliferated for some time, but this is the first time they have been clearly visible in public on a major policy initiative.

The situation is dangerous as long as Israel continues its attack on Gaza. Lower level hotheads in Hizbullah could set off a conflagration. Iranian would-be suicide bombers could disobey and elude Khamenei and find a way to create a provocation that would lead to Israeli reprisals. So far, however, the Iranians and their Arab colleagues (with the exception of Hamas) are showing great caution./End